A new video laryngoscope specialized for endotracheal intubation in mice
Abstract Background: Mechanical ventilation is indispensable in many animal experiments, and establishing a stable airway to control breathing is critical. However, endotracheal intubation in small rodents is very difficult due to the lack of visibility of the epiglottis. In addition, traditional blind endotracheal intubation methods usually cause laryngopharyngeal injury and can even result in death; thus, a noninvasive endotracheal intubation device is needed. Results: The video laryngoscope required significantly less time and fewer attempts to achieve successful intubation. The incidences of vomiting reflex, asphyxia and injury were significantly lower in video laryngoscope group. In addition, the time elapsed until the first feeding postextubation was less in video laryngoscope group, indicating faster recovery. Conclusions: The new video laryngoscope endotracheal intubation device used in this study is simple, noninvasive, safe and practical.